The unbeaten run for Watford Under-21s in league fixtures was extended to six games thanks to a late, late goal that earned a 1-1 draw with Bournemouth.

The Hornets had Amin Nabizada and Leo Ramirez-Espain – who both travelled with the first team on Saturday – in their starting XI.

Meanwhile, defender Travis Akomeah, who returned to Watford from Chelsea in January, captained the team.

Tobi Adeyemo threatened twice in the opening exchanges, hitting the post in the second minute and then sending a shot just wide seven minutes later.

At the other end, Gabriel Ortelli made a good save to keep out a header from Malcom Dacosta Gonzalez.

Adeyemo continued to offer the most threat for Watford, and it needed a good stop from Cherries keeper Callan McKenna to deny the striker in the 19th minute.

However, the two teams were still locked at 0-0 when the whistle below for half-time.

The visitors broke the deadlock two minutes after the restart though as Zain Silcott-Duberry’s pressing created a chance for Daniel Adu-Adjei to rifle a shot into the top corner.

Just past the hour mark Ramirez-Espain saw a close-range shot blocked.

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Then ten minutes from the end after a series of ricochets in the area, Josh Mullins sent a shot just wide.

It was starting to look like there was no way back for the Under-21’s, who were in danger of failing to score in a game for the first time since October.

But then, five minutes into stoppage time, Freddie Buers whipped in a cross and the ball took a deflection and ended up in the net.

The point sees Watford stay fifth in the Premier League Development League South table, five points behind Cardiff in fourth but with two games in hand.

The Under-21s are back in action again on Friday when the travel to face Charlton Athletic at their Sparrows Lane training ground (1pm kick-off).

Watford: Ortelli; Eames, Buers, Gaspar, Akomeah, Mullins, Coyne, Ramirez-Espain, Adeyemo (Okosun 63), Nabizada (Sikiru 85), Lawson (Massiah-Edwards 63). Subs: Morris, Garcia-Romero